| by Jillian Hahn | 11/19/08 | 25 views |
Everyone seems to want to know what the best method of birth control is. That is a very hard question to answer because birth control is a very personal choice. The type you choose depends on your body chemistry and tolerance, your sexual activity level, the type of relationship(s) that you are in, and the level of responsibility that you are willing to assume. Coming from someone who just can’t seem to find the right personal fit, I have tried out almost everything there is to offer. Below is an overview of the most popular reversible forms of birth control, not including any implants or sterilization options.
Condoms
This is the easiest method for someone that is not sexually active very often. There is nothing you have to remember every day (except to bring one with when things may get steamy!), and no side effects. They are small, are sold in many places, and they are 98% effective when used properly. The best part is, if you’re not monogamous, they also protect against STD’s.
There are some drawbacks to condoms though. They do tend to ruin the moment, especially if one is not handy. (“Hold on... Let me dig in my purse… I know it’s here somewhere!”). There is also some loss of sensation when you use a condom. You also have to be careful about which lubricants you use, as some can wear away at the condom and cause breakage.
The Pill, the Patch
The pill and the patch are in the same category, because they are primarily the same thing, delivered in different forms. Either by taking a pill at the same time every day, or wearing a small patch in an inconspicuous place, hormones are delivered to your body to prevent pregnancy. The benefits of this type of birth control are great. It is always working, so there is no need for last minute fumbling. It gives you regular periods, clears up your skin, and lowers your chances for certain types of cancer.
The drawbacks to the pill and the patch are also great for some people. The pill is something that is only effective if taken at the same timeevery day. That can be a pretty hefty responsibility and harder to keep up with than it sounds. The patch also has a tendency to fall off, which can be a humungous problem with effectiveness, especially if you don’t notice it. The hormones can also be a problem for some people, which was my personal problem with this method. If you are sensitive to hormones, these can cause prolonged nausea, and can aggravate certain ailments, like migraines. You are also not protected from STD’s, so if you are not monogamous, you would want to use condoms as well.
Depo-Provera
Depo-Provera is a shot that you get once every three months with hormones to prevent pregnancy. The upside is that you have very little to worry about, aside from a prick every three months. Your menstrual cycle also stops completely, which is a blessing in itself. continue >>
     
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University of Delaware
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